A key defensive player for the Baltimore Ravens is facing disciplinary action from the NFL due to an illegal play during their recent 41-31 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This game proved particularly costly for the Buccaneers, who lost two significant wide receivers: Mike Evans, sidelined with a hamstring injury, and Chris Godwin, who suffered a dislocated ankle. While Evans is expected to return later this season, Godwin, set to become a free agent in 2025, may have played his final snap with Tampa Bay.
Godwin’s injury was the result of a controversial tackle by Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith. In the aftermath, Smith clarified that his intention was not to injure Godwin. According to Jonathan Jones of CBS, the NFL has categorized Smith’s tackle as a hip-drop, which is considered illegal. As a consequence, Smith is expected to receive a fine for the hit. Jones reported that there have been at least nine hip-drop tackles in the league this season, yet none resulted in penalties during games.
The financial repercussions for Smith could be significant. The NFL imposes a fine of $16,883 for a first-time offense involving a hip-drop tackle, while a subsequent offense could result in a fine of $22,511. As the Ravens, with a 5-2 record, prepare to face the 5-2 Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, the focus will also be on the Buccaneers, who are looking to recover from these injuries. They are set to match up against the 4-3 Atlanta Falcons, vying for the top spot in the NFC South. This situation highlights the ongoing challenges teams face with player safety and the consequences of illegal plays.
